HOW TO FIX YOUR CREDIT

Identity theft costs businesses and consumers billions of dollars
each year. There are many common misconceptions about the potential
causes of and remedies to ID theft. Here are some important facts
that may help you understand how to protect you and your family
from fraud.

How do thieves steal identities? It may come as a surprise, but
lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks and credit cards are the number
one source of personal information used by ID thieves. Be wary of
what you keep in your wallet or purse. Credit and debit cards can
be easily cancelled, and carrying your ID or license is generally a
must. However, you may not need to carry your social security card,
birth certificate or credit cards that you do not use. If your
wallet is lost or stolen report the theft immediately to your bank
and to credit bureaus. Thieves and opportunists will act quickly so
you have no time to waste.

·Who is responsible for identity theft? Friends, neighbors,
in-home employees, family members or relatives of victims
perpetrate nearly half of all identity theft. Keep your personal
information in a safe place. A locked file cabinet or safe is a
good start. You should also shred any documents you do not need to
keep.